Sam

Experience

• Primary English and Maths (Key Stages 1 & 2)

• 7+ English & Maths and prep school entrance exams

• 8+ English & Maths and prep school entrance exams

• 11+ English & Maths and public school entrance exams, including pre-tests

• I/GCSE English Language & Literature (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC)

• A-level English (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC)

• A-level Drama & Theatre Studies

I began tutoring over ten years ago, working towards the 11+ entrance examinations with an SEN child whilst I was still studying for my A-Levels at school. I held bi-weekly lessons throughout the year and aimed primarily to work around her dyslexia, which had held her back throughout her primary education. I slowly managed to build her confidence with vocabulary, reading and writing, and eventually she passed the requisite exams and got into her preferred secondary school.

Whilst training as a primary educator, much of my time was spent in the Upper KS1 and Lower KS2 classrooms of Year 1, 2 and 3. As part of my training I taught English, Maths, Science, Art, RE, Spelling, Drama, History and Geography to each class, in addition to working with Reception and Years 4, 5 and 6 throughout the year. I was involved in all areas of school life; planning schemes of work, engaging with parents, building long-term relationships with each pupil and ultimately developing as a newly qualified teacher. Whilst working as a 'Top Graduate' at Thomas's, I developed my 'kind but firm' approach and a pedagogy that prioritises the learner's unique needs.

Having qualified, I now tutor Maths up to 11+ and Drama and English for all ages, all the way up to GCSE, A-Level and university. I tutor both online and in-person and have also prepared students for auditions at Drama School, school interviews, public speaking and much more.

Biography

I grew up in North London, where I spent most of my childhood performing and writing stories. At University College School, where I was a student for over ten years, I achieved an A* and a 100% UMS Score for my English A-Level. I was also the proud recipient of the Transitus Drama Prize and taught Drama to local underprivileged school children in the summer of my final year. I then went on to study Drama and English Literature at the University of Manchester, graduating with a First Class undergraduate degree, before completing my Master's in Film Studies at the same institution. I then trained as an actor at Guildford School of Acting, completing my MA with a Distinction, before completing my PGCE. During the chaos of Covid-19, I was selected as a 'Top Graduate' to train at Thomas's Clapham and Kensington as part of a vocational PGCE qualification. Now a fully qualified teacher, I tutor and teach Drama part-time.

Personal Approach

Having worked as a private tutor for over ten years, teaching across a wide range of ability levels and ages, my approach is always to create a bespoke learning experience in every lesson I teach. I pride myself on being kind yet firm, engaging in the individual needs of the learner and how they can best achieve their targets. Whilst working with SEN and EAL children, I have broadened my understanding of how students retain and understand information enormously; my goal is to continuously provide the ideal challenge for the learner in question, adjusting to whatever their needs might be.

What I do when I am not tutoring

When I am not tutoring or planning, I teach Drama part-time at Thomas's Kensington, where I completed my PGCE. My teaching hours are Monday mornings, Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. As such, I have tutoring hours most weekday afternoons and Sundays.

Testimonials

''My daughter is loving her lessons with Sam. He's very organised, makes English fun, and is bringing out the best in her. Can't recommend him highly enough.'' (GCSE English client)

''Sam tutored my daughter for her Drama GCSE's and we found him to be articulate, charming, knowledgable and reliable. She received an A grade. Highly recommended.'' (Drama GCSE client)